The 2026 Bar Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch (the Doyen Bar) entered its third day on Friday, April 17, with a rich blend of intellectual discourse, high-level panel sessions, and robust engagement between the Bar and the Bench.
The day’s proceedings were headlined by a series of insightful lectures focusing on contemporary issues in cyber security, democratic governance, and the critical role of law enforcement in sustaining the rule of law.
These lectures were delivered by Dr. Ayei Egu Ibor, whose presentations offered deep reflections on emerging digital threats, governance challenges, and the evolving responsibilities of security institutions in Nigeria.
The lecture session was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Sani, with contributions from distinguished panelists including James Ibor, Esq., and Commandant Chima Eke Okarazu of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. The panel provided practical perspectives, enriching the discourse with real-world experiences and strategic recommendations.
A major highlight of the day was the Bar-Bench Forum, a cornerstone event designed to strengthen synergy between legal practitioners and the judiciary.
The session commenced with an opening lecture delivered by Honourable Justice Eleojo Enenche, a presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, who addressed key issues affecting judicial efficiency and legal practice in Nigeria.
The forum was chaired and moderated by Chief Joe Agi, SAN, and featured an impressive lineup of discussants, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State and Chairman of the Cross River State Judicial Service Commission, Honourable Justice Akon B. Ikpeme; Honourable Justice Oyo Ita (Rtd), a former Acting Chief Judge of the state; Hon. Attah Ochinke, Esq., former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Cross River State; Mrs. Nkoyo Amah, Esq., former Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch; and Mr. David Obande, Esq., Chairman of the Doyen Bar Bar-Bench Committee.
Discussions at the forum were marked by forward thinking contributions, addressing procedural bottlenecks, judicial reforms, and the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between the Bench and the Bar.
The event recorded a strong turnout, with the presence of judges of the Cross River State judiciary, Chief Magistrates, Senior Magistrates, legal practitioners, and law students, all of whom actively engaged in the sessions.
As the 2026 Bar Week progresses, Day Three stands out as a testament to the Doyen Bar’s commitment to advancing legal knowledge, fostering institutional collaboration, and addressing pressing societal issues through the lens of the law.
Monday W. Ebiala, Esq
Publicity Secretary, Doyen Bar.
17/04/2026
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